Feature Archives

Feature

Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent

Faridah Folawiyo’s Year of Yes

A recurring theme in Folawiyo’s discussion of her work is accessibility, not as a marketing term but as something closer to a personal correction.

Anjola Akinmade

3 weeks ago

Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, The Custodian of Action and Nollywood’s Voice of Reason

Nollywood actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, who has died aged 66 of an unnamed cancer, inspired Nigerian film audiences and industry practitioners with his commanding performances and recorded goodwill. The actor who has stayed away from mainstream attention and conversation was the face of recent conversation after one of his daughters posted a video detailing the […]

Seyi Lasisi

1 day ago

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

In Starrgirl, Ayra Starr does not ask you to reconsider Ayra Starr. She assumes you already know who she is and expects you to keep up. The title alone sends listeners a message before they press play. Her first two records were titled around age — 19 & Dangerous introduced a fearless, fast-talking teenager; The […]

Anjola Akinmade

4 days ago

Mid-Year Review: The 10 Best Nigerian Songs of 2026

In the spirit of culture curation, Culture Custodian has put together a list of the best songs of 2026, so far.

John Eriomala

2 months ago

What Exactly Is All This Sex Doing in Blood Sisters?

Blood Sisters Understands That Sex Can Tell a Story. It Just Doesn’t Always Know What Story It’s Telling.

Naomi Ezenwa

3 months ago

Obasanjo’s Internet – Pinkolate

Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our internet favourites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them […]

Damilola Oyeleke

3 years ago

The Best Nigeria-South Africa Music Collaborations

Nigeria and South Africa share an interesting relationship. There is a lot of rivalry, as is to be expected of two competing countries who always appear to clash on one front or the other—sports, music, even migration. In music, though, when Nigerian and South African creatives get into the studio together, the results are often […]

3 years ago

Almost A Decade Later, Timi Dakolo Is Still True To Himself On “The Chorus Leader”

In 2007, Timi Dakolo won the first edition of the Idols West Africa. His victory in the reality show would have propelled his musical career but it wasn’t until 2009 that he released his debut three-pack single, Let It Shine which kickstarted his music journey that had been years in the making. Timi Dakolo’s music […]

3 years ago

Celebrating Twenty Years Of Chocolate City

In 2024, Chocolate City celebrates twenty years of its existence, the longest ever for a Nigerian record label in modern times. This is certainly no mean feat in Nigeria’s music climate, where eras come and go in years, especially with the global rush of the last few years that has shaken up Nigeria’s music […]

3 years ago

Why Mannywellz Is Taking His Music Off Streaming Platforms

In 2020, Peace, the Tems-featuring RnB zinger by Nigerian-US singer Mannywellz exploded to become his career’s peak point. His melodious rhythm and soul-scorching voice were his primary attractions, and being of mixed origins, the track was enjoyed by his bases in Nigeria and beyond. Now, three years after its release, it has garnered an impressive […]

3 years ago

Obasanjo’s Internet – Aramide

Damilola Oyeleke

3 years ago

What We Can Learn From Nigeria’s Disappointing Night At The Grammys

After much ado, the 66th Grammy ceremony has come and gone, but its ripples in popular culture and conversations have not quite disappeared. Winners on the night haven’t climbed down from the euphoria of clinching the most prestigious award in music, but for the losers, it is a time to reflect and restrategize. Most Nigerians […]

3 years ago

“Orisa” Review: More Tropes, Less Mettle

Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa is the story of a proud king Oba Adefolarin (Odunlade Adekola) who, having been made mentally unstable by a coven of witches, has to defend his kingdom against a familiar marauder Komo-komo (Femi Adebayo) threatening to usurp his throne. Rooted in Yoruba folklore traditions, the film begins with a narrator and sage […]

3 years ago